The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine – A Riveting Tale of Deception and Revenge
In a world of pristine perfection and dazzling wealth, nothing is ever quite as it seems. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine invites readers into the luxurious lives of the ultra-rich—but beneath the designer gowns, sparkling diamonds, and Hamptons retreats lies a chilling web of deceit, manipulation, and ultimate revenge.
This psychological thriller, published in 2017, quickly became a bestseller, earning a place on Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club list and captivating audiences with its fresh, twisted take on domestic suspense. But what makes The Last Mrs. Parrish stand out in a sea of thrillers? Let’s dive deep into this compelling tale, explore its themes, dissect its characters, and examine why readers can’t stop talking about it.
Introduction to the Story
The Last Mrs. Parrish is the story of two women—Amber Patterson and Daphne Parrish—whose lives intertwine in a slow-burn battle of wits, desire, and dark secrets. Amber is tired of being invisible. She’s sick of scraping by while watching other women live lives of luxury. So she sets her sights on a new goal: insert herself into the world of the seemingly perfect Daphne Parrish and steal her husband, the wealthy and handsome Jackson Parrish.
At first glance, this might sound like a familiar setup—a conniving woman aiming to disrupt a happy marriage. But Liv Constantine, the pen name for sister duo Lynne and Valerie Constantine, have crafted something far more layered. This isn’t just a tale of ambition gone wrong—it’s a smart, chilling narrative that flips expectations and exposes the rot behind the gilded curtain.
The Characters: Masks and Motivations
Amber Patterson: The Master Manipulator
Amber is cunning, beautiful, and ambitious. She comes from a troubled past and carries a deep resentment toward those who’ve had it easier in life. But instead of wallowing in her misfortune, she devises a plan—befriend Daphne Parrish, worm her way into her life, and slowly take her place.
Amber’s narrative voice is sharply written, dripping with sarcasm and calculation. Readers are made privy to her schemes, making her both fascinating and terrifying. It’s hard not to be drawn into her twisted logic, even as her actions become increasingly cold and ruthless.
Daphne Parrish: The Perfect Wife—or So It Seems
At first, Daphne appears to be the stereotypical rich wife—elegant, charitable, and blissfully unaware of Amber’s intentions. She’s the founder of a charity in honor of her late sister and mother to two beautiful daughters. From the outside, her life is picture-perfect.
But halfway through the book, the narrative shifts—and so does the entire perspective. Suddenly, we’re inside Daphne’s mind, and everything we thought we knew begins to unravel.
Jackson Parrish: The Charismatic Monster
Jackson is wealthy, powerful, and charming—the kind of man who seems to have it all. To Amber, he’s the golden ticket to the life she deserves. But Jackson’s charm hides something far more sinister. His character is a master class in how control and charm can exist simultaneously in abusive relationships.
As the story progresses, Jackson becomes more than a prize to be won. He is revealed as the true villain of the story—narcissistic, controlling, and emotionally abusive. It’s a chilling portrayal that adds depth and urgency to the plot.
Plot Overview (Spoiler Warning)
The story unfolds in two major parts—first from Amber’s perspective, then from Daphne’s. In Amber’s half, we follow her as she carefully inserts herself into Daphne’s life, pretending to be a grieving woman who lost her sister to cystic fibrosis—the same disease that took Daphne’s sister. This shared grief bonds them quickly, and soon Amber is not only Daphne’s closest friend but also Jackson’s “assistant.”
As Amber’s manipulations escalate, she seduces Jackson and eventually replaces Daphne as Mrs. Parrish. Her plan seems flawless.
But then, the perspective shifts.
From Daphne’s point of view, we learn that her life with Jackson was anything but perfect. He is emotionally manipulative, controlling every aspect of her existence, from her clothes to her friends to her thoughts. She stayed for her daughters—and for her own plan.
Daphne had been onto Amber all along. She knew about the lies, the false identity, and the seduction. And she had a plan to expose both Jackson and Amber.
In the final act, it’s Daphne who triumphs. Using cunning, evidence, and strategic timing, she dismantles Jackson’s world and sets Amber up for a life far worse than the one she schemed to escape.
Themes: Power, Abuse, and Female Empowerment
At its heart, The Last Mrs. Parrish is about power. Who has it, who wants it, and what they’re willing to do to get it. It’s also a sharp critique of the glamorization of wealth and status, reminding readers that what looks perfect on the outside can be terrifyingly rotten on the inside.
The novel also tackles domestic abuse in a powerful way. Jackson’s manipulation of Daphne is emotional, psychological, and deeply controlling. The story gives voice to the silent suffering many women endure in abusive relationships, and Daphne’s eventual escape and triumph feel not just satisfying, but important.
Then there’s the theme of female empowerment. While Amber’s ambitions are misguided, her drive is undeniable. And Daphne’s quiet strength—her patience, intelligence, and ability to endure—makes her ultimate revenge that much sweeter.
Writing Style and Structure
Liv Constantine’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and filled with tension. The dual-perspective structure is genius, letting readers see the same events through different lenses and dramatically shifting our understanding of what’s really going on.
The first-person narration pulls readers into each woman’s psyche, revealing their insecurities, motivations, and flaws. The prose is crisp and accessible, making this a true page-turner.
Critical Reception and Popularity
The Last Mrs. Parrish was a commercial hit. It spent weeks on bestseller lists, was selected for Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Book Club, and received praise for its fresh take on domestic thrillers.
Critics highlighted its clever plot twist, strong female leads, and exploration of psychological abuse. Readers appreciated the dual perspectives and the cathartic, satisfying ending.
Why This Book Still Resonates
Years after its release, The Last Mrs. Parrish continues to resonate because it taps into timeless themes: envy, betrayal, power, and justice. It’s a book that keeps you guessing, makes you angry, makes you cheer, and stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
In the era of social media and curated lives, it’s a reminder that perfection is often a mask—and that strength can come in the most unexpected forms.
A Book Club Favorite
The Last Mrs. Parrish has become a book club favorite for a reason. It’s rich with discussion-worthy moments, including:
- The morality of Amber’s actions
- The hidden signs of emotional abuse
- The idea of “deserving” wealth or happiness
- Whether Daphne should have exposed Jackson sooner
It’s a novel that invites debate and thought, making it perfect for group reads.
Comparisons: Books Like The Last Mrs. Parrish
If you enjoyed this book, you might also like:
- The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
- Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Each of these thrillers offers a mix of suspense, psychological depth, and female-driven narratives.
Final Thoughts: A Thriller That Delivers
The Last Mrs. Parrish is more than just a thriller. It’s a story of transformation, revenge, and survival. It lures you in with the promise of scandal and delivers something far deeper and more impactful.
Whether you’re a seasoned thriller reader or new to the genre, this book is a must-read. It’s chilling, empowering, and oh-so-satisfying.
